Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams.
The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut.
Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday.
“We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said.
Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.”
Campbell signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts).
